Colts, Bears face off in “The Big One”

  • Published
  • By Pigskin Prognosticator
  • from the melting pot
Super Bowl Sunday is finally here!

It is a classic showdown between two teams who were around before the merger in 1966. These teams aren't new expansion franchises, they live and breathe football.

Also, it presents the classic match-up of a high-powered Colts offense against a conservative ball control offense and a tough Bears defense. So as the beer chills in the fridge and the chips on the shelf until Sunday, let's break down Sunday's match-up.

The Colts are the heavy favorites in this game, American Football Conference champs. This could help the Bears because the Colts could be a little bit beat up after playing three games against tough opponents, while the Bears got a bye week then played a mediocre Seahawks team and finished up pounding the Saints.

This creates a tough prediction because we don't know how good Chicago really is. They coasted through a terrible conference and their two loses came against the opposing conference. They lost to New England early on in the season and then proceeded to get beat by a Miami team who was led by Joey Harrington. Granted, Harrington wasn't as bad as when he played for the Lions, but he definitely isn't Dan Marino dropping back in South Beach either.

Turning the table-how good is Indianapolis? They started the season beautifully going 9-0, but proceeded to finish 3-4. Not a way you want to enter the post-season. Also, after having one the worst defenses ever during the regular season, the Colts defense has reverted into last year's when they were one of the most feared defenses in the league. Which defense will we get?

So, stay with me for a minute-let's see how these teams matchup and afterwards you can go clean the grill off for this weekend.

I know a lot of people from Chicago are going to despise me after this, but who cares anyway. The Bears just plain and simple don't match-up with the Colts very well. If the Patriots could have pulled out the game last week, I would favor the Bears, but not in this one.

Chicago has a history of giving up big plays, especially against smaller, faster receivers. If you don't believe me, look at what Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith has done to them. The Colts present two receivers in Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne, who can stretch the field and run by those Bears defensive backs.

I've heard the argument how the Bears apply pressure to the quarterback, but be real about it. Chicago has a good, but simple defense. They rush four and drop seven. This isn't going to work against a Colts offensive line who gave up the fewest amount of sacks during the season. They even limited the Ravens to one sack a couple weeks ago and their defense is head-and-shoulders above the Bears defense.

So, Bears fans my apologies, but the Colts are going to light you up like a Christmas tree.

The only way Chicago can stay in this game is if they have success in the running game, which isn't promising considering the way the Colts defense has played since the playoffs started. The Bears won't be able to rely on quarterback Rex Grossman for two reasons:

First, he doesn't perform well under pressure and the Colts have two of the best pass rushing defensive ends in the league in Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis. Oh yeah, Colts defensive tackle Anthony McFarland isn't too shabby at getting after the quarterback either.

The second reason is my sister can throw a more accurate pass than Grossman. He finished the season with a 54.6 completion percentage, not quite what you look for in a Super Bowl quarterback. Grossman also threw 20 interceptions during the season and with Colts safety Bob Sanders roaming the secondary, it looks to be a long day for the Bears offense.

The only chance for the Bears is to keep the game close and hope the Colts decide to kick to Bears Pro Bowl return man Devin Hester. This is Indianapolis' one weakness-their kick and punt coverage.

I just hope the Bears can keep it close and make it interesting.

So warm up the grill and start making the cheese dip.

Now let's get out there and watch some football!